Sometimes I grab my phone as I’m walking home and I quickly take a picture of a Hartford street because I need something to put on a post. Let’s face it, my friends, you’ve seen Hartford many times over the past six-going-on-seven years. I had a very long day coaching yesterday and I have another one today and I’m tired, so this is what you get.
Well, not just this, but basically? This.
I thank God every day for my husband, but last night I was especially grateful. I was very tired (sinus/allergies are getting me down, along with the news) and I was about to head to the bath. We were face-timing and he was sharing a detailed story and every time he looked at me, I was yawning. Big yawns, the kind that make your eyes water. Finally, he just stared at me, features not moving, and I started giggling. Every time I would recover and look at the phone, his face was closer. This happened about six times, his features never changing, until all I could see was his eye. You probably had to be there, but I couldn’t stop laughing.
No one can make me laugh like he does and boy did I need a laugh.
He has also urged me to stop reading Twitter or watching Rachel Maddow for a few days, to give myself a mental health break. I think that’s a good idea. So far, so good – no Twitter this morning.
I haven’t been able to lose myself in the plot of a novel the way I’d like to. I’m reading The Late Show, Michael Connelly’s newest, but my attention span has been less than optimal. So I’m taking it along with me today for those periods when I have a few minutes between coaching appointments. Instead of automatically checking Twitter, I’m going to make myself read.
My newest decorating tip:
When a lamp is sitting too low on a table and it starts to annoy you, risk running into the stinky, smoky cigar shop and buy three empty cigar boxes for $5.00. Bring them back to the apartment, spray perfume all over yourself to get rid of the smoky smell, and stick them under the lamp. I have a pretty white box under the other lamp. Don, who collects these boxes, ends up the winner because he’ll get these after I get home.
I’m keeping the white box. I’ll show that to you some other time.
Don has been busy. I asked him to take the crap that we have stashed next to the shed to our local dump, aka Transfer Station. He cleared out the whole area yesterday and made several trips there and I’m so proud of him because, believe me, that’s a whole heck of a lot of work. I started doing it when he was away, but could only carry so much in my car. The CR-V is better for this type of thing. Thank you, husband!
And guess what?
The stove is ready to go. It’s being crated this week and will start it’s journey to Mockingbird Hill Cottage next week! Oh my heavens! I can barely contain myself.
Of course, we had a moment of “Gulp” when we totaled up the entire cost: Stove, crating, shipping and whatever Gino is going to charge us for hooking up the propane and trimming a bit of the cover on our baseboard heat so that we can fit the stove in.
Gulp. Gulp. Gulp. And a bit more Gulp.
It’s a big expenditure for us, but it will only appreciate in value. And we’re besotted by it, plain and simple.
Okay. Have to go get ready for another busy day.
Happy Thursday and Stay Strong.
I’m having to back away from the news a bit also. So depressed yesterday and trying to use my voice but feeling like I’m speaking into a void with some people. Like you unable to read much so I’ve been binge watching something on Netflix. You have such a great husband! OH and that stove, what a joy and even though it comes with a big GULP, it is worth it! I hope you and all of us have a better day. Hugs!
I did cheat a bit with Twitter, but luckily enough, I was so busy with work that I stayed away.
The stove is coming! The stove is coming! THE STOVE IS COMING! It will be worth every. single. penny. Want to know what we did for our 40th anniversary five years ago? We bought Cutco knives (a full set) and a full set of the cooking pots and pans. I am still celebrating every time I use a pot and need to cut up some fruit. Or steak. Just made corn on the cob last night in the big pot. La La La!
And your Don is a sweetie.
Perfect idea for an anniversary gift, Tana!
Good advice your dear husband gave you. I, too, decided not to watch the news. Will you be home when your new stove comes in? How exciting!!!!!!
I don’t know. Depends on the day and the demands of rehearsal. If we’re having a run-through, I’ll have to be here. If not, I’ll sneak home (already alerted the Stage Manager!)
glad you and don have each other. :)
and, soon, the stove! :)
enjoy them both. (I know you do)!
kathy in iowa
I do, indeed!
That husband of yours is very wise in advising you to stay off Twitter, etc. I purposely stay away from the news on TV, Twitter, etc. Always have though…this is nothing new for me. Too depressing. Do you have any light magazines with you – decorating magainzes – or even any Mary Oliver books? Instead of trying to concentrate on a novel, sometimes light reading (magazine) or something soothing (poetry) is the ticket. Have a good work day, Claudia – I’m off to physical therapy now. Should finally be done by the end of the month!
No Mary Oliver with me, but I do have a gardening magazine. So glad to hear you’ll soon be done with physical therapy!
Such exciting news about the stove!
Getting excited!
Hi Claudia! I am so happy your new stove will be coming soon! How nice! I stay away from the news as much as I can..I choose to stay happy and enjoy my day without all the sadness in my mind~now I watch the Match game on GSN every morning~I love that show! Take care of you! :-)
Thank you, Carol. The same for you!
I stay away from the news too. I did read an article about how there is eroding support after he shot himself in the foot. That cheered me a bit. The stove will definitely have pride of place in your cottage. It was meant to be. Hope you have a more relaxing evening tonight.
I’m going to watch HGTV, Wendy.
Yes, we all need to take a break from it once in awhile to maintain our stamina and sanity.. I find that the political scene is more and more like a bad accident: you know you should look away but you can’t.
That is a funny story you tell about Don! Great sense of humor on that guy!
He has the best sense of humor and no one can make me laugh like he does.
Don is a very wise man! I limit what news I watch on television. We do have a subscription to our local newspaper, but if an article becomes too depressing, I have the option to just go to another article. I have found I only read enough so that I am not totally ignorant about what is happening. Otherwise, I am afraid I would be in a totally hopeless mindset. I really feel afraid for my grandkids and what they will have to face in the future. The news about your stove is welcome! Can’t wait to see it in your lovely cottage!
I’m afraid for children and grandchildren, as well. I hope this wakes us all up and we put an end to anything like this ever happening again.
I’m so glad you found a guy with a sense of humor! So did I. And I wouldn’t wish a guy without humor on anyone.
Me either!
Don has given you good advice. It is funny because my sister said the same thing. She is sick of all the awful news. Now this tragedy in Barcelona is the final straw. Claudia get into your books and buy some Autumn magazines. I am going to buy some when I go to the store. Relax. Sorry about your sinus trouble and allergies. We all have terrible allergies and sinus trouble. My twin also has asthma ,too. Happy to hear that the stove is on the way.
Marilyn
I’m going to try to read tonight and watch some HGTV!
I am trying to spend less time with news. I am trying to spend more time in my sewing room. Usually I listen to Acorn tv or MHz Choice when I do. Love the lack of commercials and the increase in intelligence.
I’m all for an increase in intelligence, Jane!
We all need to take a break, I limit myself. But I do watch Stephen Colbert for the fun ( you have got to have a laugh ). I read the paper and watch national news and I do get alerts on my computer . I am so sad about Barcelona…no where is safe. I agree my home magazines give me relaxing time, and as I have said doing cross stitch while listening got old mystery radio shows. Nothing better than dragnet, just the facts. Jack Webb is in another one called Pat Novak, really the one lines are priceless! I am excited about Stove, and I hate to cook.
A terrible tragedy in Barcelona. Heartbreaking. And that man tweeted condolences about that right away. It took him two days to say anything about Charlottesville.
Old mystery radio shows are fun, Mary. Good idea!
Such good news on the stove!! I’m sure you will be able to track it as it makes it way “home”. Fun!
The news gets more and more bizarre every day. Did you see the covers of The Economist, Newsweek & (I think) Time for this week? Wow!! I think the business people dissing themselves away from him is one of the best things I have heard since the election. These are actual CEO’s of billion dollar corporations…. not a nit-wit who inherited money and runs a family business. He certainly met his match with these 2 groups. Corker certainly stood up to him today.
Glad Don helps you keep things in perspective. We need to laugh ~~ certainly now more than ever. Hope your Thursday went well!!
Yes, Don said we’ll be able to track it. I haven’t seen the magazine covers yet. I’ll have to look for them.
Oh, boy do we need to laugh!
Claudia, in my humble opinion, you have every right to be besotted with your vintage stove. It is one GORGEOUS of machinery. Today’s closeup photo really reveals it – to me at least – for the first time. Top of line industrial design from top to bottom. And good old heavy vintage American craftsmanship to boot. I bet it weighs twice what a comparable modern range from Lowes etc would weigh today. Can’t wait to see something bubbling away on one of those fine burners!
PS – you probably already know this, but if you need a break from “the current situation” but still want to keep up with the news, can I recommend Lawrence O’Donnell’s program THE LAST WORD? Directly follows Rachel on MSNBC [which I’m sure you know too]. I love Rachel, think she’s incredibly smart & watch her religiously if I’m home. But she CAN bring me down some nights. Lawrence is just the opposite. I always feel better about things after watching him. Granted, only marginally-better sometimes, but better nonetheless. I think it’s Lawrence’s real gift for language. He’s like Aaron Sorkin with a news show. Brian Williams & the 11th Hour is excellent also, for those who can manage to stay awake for it. Good news is that they’re all posted to YouTube & other places on the web – sometimes within minutes. Anyway, just a thought. Have a great evening!
#Resist
Thank you! They just send us a couple more photos of it, which I’ll share tomorrow. I’m so, so excited to get it in our little cottage.
I love Lawrence O’Donnell, the problem is I’m often ready for bed by 10. But I agree, he has a gift for making us all feel better. And I like Brian Williams, as well, because he has a dry sense of humor that is much needed right now. Last night, Rachel was being very ‘dire’ about someone being removed from Mueller’s team, implying things that weren’t necessarily true and that were not being echoed by other accounts I follow, so I was a wee bit disappointed in her.
Don had excellent advice…not only for you…but for me too! I read your post this morning…but ran out of time. I’m trying to stay away from the news…but…we’ll see. It’s not easy…but necessary for my mental health I think. Your stove!! Wow!! Worth every penny I’m sure! ;)
I think it is, but it still makes me gulp. A lot of money for the two of us!
I can just imagine Don doing that to you online…lol…get some rest so you can run home to hug that stove as soon as possible…and Don too of course!
I’ll hug the stove first!
I have a friend who is depressed/upset by, yet addicted, to the news about Trump. I think it’s ultimately self-destructive. There’s really nothing productive about keeping tabs on what’s going on because one’s outrage or embarrassment doesn’t change anything except probably suppress ones immune system.
You didn’t vote for him, you can’t control him, so please, for your own sake, just ignore him.
I think there’s a healthy balance. Ignoring isn’t for me. I like to be informed. The balance comes with carefully monitoring time spent following the news. Having work – as I do at the moment – helps with that balance.
Maybe a moratorium for a week or so might be salubrious?